Local Attractions

Just a few things to see and do while you are here.

Cathedral Grove

Located in MacMillan Provincial Park, Cathedral Grove is an old-growth forest, home to beautiful stands of giant Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock and Red Cedar trees. The treetops mesh together high above your head to form a cathedral-like ceiling. Their trunks rise from the forest floor, so thick that you will need several people to join hands to form a circle around them. Walking among these magnificent trees is an inspirational experience.

Old Country MarketThe Old Country Market in Coombs is a must see destination. The Market is famous for its “goats on the roof”. Thousands of people each year travel through Coombs, stopping to visit with the goats. Inside the Market the freshest local produce and selection of gifts from the farthest reaches of the world.

The Milner Gardens and Woodland is a wild garden of meadow lawns and rare old-growth Douglas firs and cedar. It is a garden with spectacular views. Meadows flow between magnificent evergreens to the Strait of Georgia, beyond which rise the Coast Range Mountains of mainland British Columbia. Islands dot the vista to the north. Wildlife is abundant on the estate’s seventy acres: bald eagles, blue herons, dozens of songbird species.

The Westerlea is in the perfect location for you to make it your base while you visit Vancouver Island. An easy day trip takes you to the world famous Pacific Rim National Park with Long Beach, Tofino and Ucluelet.

World Class GolfVancouver Island is well known for many world class golf courses. During the winter months, you can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon!. There are 5 courses within a few minutes drive of the Westerlea.

Horne Lake CavesSpelunking is the art of cave exploration and Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park is the place to try it out. Just half an hour drive from Qualicum Beach, visitors can try spelunking on their own through the self-guided caves or take a guided tour into spectacular Riverbend Cave.

The Old School HouseIn Qualicum Beach you can visit “The Old School House” Gallery and Art Centre. This 80-year old school house-turned-art-centre in the heart of Qualicum Beach showcases the visual arts of painting, sculpture, carving and pottery, as well as music.

The Westerlea Motel is ideally located in the centre of Vancouver Island on the Georgia Strait. Mount Washington is an hour’s drive north for summer hikes and fabulous views from their gondola — or winter sports with short line-ups and deep snow.